Blog

Making Homeownership Affordable: Programs and Strategies for First-Time Buyers and Repeat Buyers

** Originally written for and published on UrbanAcres.com** If you’ve noticed that first-time homebuyers seem a bit older these days, you’re not imagining things. The national average age has crept up to around 40—a full decade older than previous generations when they bought their first homes.  Here in Iowa, the story is a little different.…

Love at First Loan: We’ll Help You Find “The One”

While romantic love gets most of the attention in February, we think it’s also a great time to talk about something else you might fall in love with: the right mortgage loan. We know choosing a loan program is a big commitment. Each loan program has its own personality, benefits, and reasons people choose it.…

New Year, New Home: What You Can Do NOW If You Want to Buy in 2026

The start of a new year naturally sets the stage for goal-setting, and fresh motivation. If homeownership in 2026 is something you’re thinking about, the best time to start preparing isn’t later this year. It’s now. Buying a home is a process, not a single moment, and the buyers who feel the most confident are…

RMN 2025 Year in Review: A Year of Learning, Lending & Leading

As we wrap up another exceptional year at RMN, we want to take a moment to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished together in 2025. This year was filled with meaningful milestones and industry recognition, all while our monthly blogs continued to guide Iowa homebuyers with clarity, and advice. RMN’s 2025 Accomplishments: A Remarkable Year 2025…

A Season of Gratitude: What We’re Thankful for at RMN

As the season of thankfulness arrives, we can’t help but reflect on just how much we have to be grateful for here at RMN. For 38 years, we’ve had the honor of helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership. With decades of collective experience among our team, it’s not just what we do, it’s who…

Don’t Get Spooked by Mortgage Myths

The season of spooky stories is here, but not all the scary tales are about haunted houses and things that go bump in the night. Some of the biggest frights come from mortgage myths that keep buyers up at night and on the sidelines longer than they should be. We know how important it is…

Back-to-School and Busy Schedules: How RMN Makes Home Buying Easy This Fall

With school back in session, fall sports and activities ramping up, and calendars filling quickly, it can feel overwhelming to add “buy a home” to the to-do list. We understand how hectic this season can be. That’s why we’re here to make the home buying process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We pride ourselves…

The Hidden Costs of Homeownership: What to Expect So You Can Be Ready

Buying a home is one of the most exciting and rewarding milestones in life. It’s about planting roots, building equity, and creating a space that’s truly your own. But while your mortgage payment might be the number you focus on most, it’s just one part of the bigger picture. Like any major life investment, homeownership…

The USDA Rural Development Loan is not JUST for First-Time Home Buyers

When most people think of Rural Development loans (also known as USDA loans), they often assume they’re a good option for first-time homebuyers purchasing properties in remote or agricultural areas. However, they’re actually a good option for ANYONE who is looking in the communities that are eligible. We want to squash the mindset that you…

How to Prepare for the Summer Market

The summer homebuying season is one of the busiest times of year.  Longer days, school breaks, and warm weather make it an ideal time for buyers and sellers alike to make a move. But with higher demand comes increased competition, which means it’s crucial to be fully prepared before jumping into the summer market. Whether…